Juicy Smash Burger with Crispy Edges (Printable)

Crispy-edged juicy patties with melted cheese on toasted buns

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

→ Seasonings

02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Buns & Toppings

04 - 4 burger buns
05 - 4 slices American cheese (or cheddar)
06 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1 large tomato, sliced
08 - 4 lettuce leaves
09 - 4 tbsp burger sauce (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard blend)
10 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting buns)

→ Optional Additions

11 - Dill pickle slices

# Directions:

01 - Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and loosely roll into balls. Do not pack tightly.
02 - Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot.
03 - Place the beef balls on the hot skillet. Using a heavy spatula or burger press, smash each ball down firmly until about ½-inch thick.
04 - Season immediately with salt and pepper. Cook without moving for 2–3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy.
05 - Flip burgers, top each patty with a slice of cheese, and cook 1–2 minutes more until cheese melts and burgers are cooked through.
06 - While burgers cook, melt butter in a separate skillet or on the griddle. Toast buns, cut side down, until golden brown.
07 - Spread burger sauce on bottom buns, add lettuce, tomato, and onion. Top with smash patties, pickles if desired, and cover with top bun.
08 - Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The crispy lace edges that form during smashing create texture you cannot get from any other cooking method
  • These burgers come together in under 20 minutes but taste like something from a serious restaurant
02 -
  • Do not use lean ground beef because the fat is what creates the crispy edges and keeps the burger juicy
  • You must season immediately after smashing while the meat surface is still raw so the salt penetrates properly
03 -
  • Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F and keep finished burgers on a baking sheet while you cook the remaining batches
  • Let the skillet reheat between batches to maintain that proper sizzling sear

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